The really good Captains make VERY good F/Os. Those just wearing the stripes and leading the band do not make very good F/Os.

Most of my career was in the left seat but due to a medical, when I returned to the line, I did about six months in the right seat. It was most informative and instructive. it reminded me of the workload in the right seat which can at times be VERY high and without someone in the left seat who appreciates the pace, the right-seater can easily be overloaded.

Going back to the right seat, I tried to remember all the EXCELLENT F/Os I had worked with and tried to emulate them.

Your friend sounds like he is going to be a flying speed brake in the cockpit.